8 Top Tips For SCAT Test Prep

The School and College Ability Test, commonly called the SCAT, is an above-grade-level test used to identify gifted and talented youth in the United States.

It’s the test most commonly used to determine admission at the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth; this highly-sought after program will also accept the results of the SAT and ACT.

To provide appropriately difficult questions, the SCAT has been divided into three separate levels based on grade: elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Regardless of which of the three is taken, all exams possess the same digital formatting and 44-minute time limit.

In terms of subject matter, the SCAT consists of 110 total questions spread evenly across quantitative and verbal subsections. Question include those based on analogies, order of operations, and basic mathematical reasoning. Results will typically be seen within a week of completion and final, composite scores range from 401 to 514.

You can find out more about the test’s creation and how its scores will be used by reading our in-depth guide to the SCAT test.

As this test could play a part in your child’s brightest future, Origins Tutoring has prepared the below set of focused SCAT test prep study tips.

1. STUDY THE SUPPLIED BOOKLET:

Each student will be supplied a complimentary information booklet upon registration. This pamphlet will outline the question types, the timing requirements, and the rules of the SCAT. Reading this free material can help better prepare you, and your child, for what’s to come. Additionally, as it is updated in line with the SCAT test, this book provides you with the most up-to-date information available.

2. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Before testing day arrives, schedule at least two separate opportunities for your child to take a full-length practice test and multiple, shorter, practice sessions.
Dowbload some practice questions here. Allowing a student to experience the SCAT in its entirety will help build confidence, identify current weaknesses, and pinpoint pre-existing strengths.

3. TIME THE TEST PROPERLY

You only have 22-minutes to complete each section. That means, just to complete the test in the time allotted, that your child must answer almost 3 questions every minute! Therefore, you should work with the test taker and establish an acceptable rhythm. This will help them shake off the pressure of the time crunch come testing day.

4. UTILIZE THE BREAK TIME APPROPRIATELY

Encourage your child to take the 10-minute break offered to them. In addition to giving them time to use the restroom, or eat, it also provides a brief respite from testing pressure. The momentary break should allow them some time to clear their head and psych themselves up for the second half of the test. Please be aware that any time used outside of these 10 minutes will be subtracted from testing time.

## 5. FAMILIARIZE YOUR CHILD WITH THE SCAT’S DIGITAL FORMAT

If your child has never used a computer for academic purposes, it may be time to familiarize him or her with the process. Make certain they understand how to properly use a mouse, keyboard, and computer monitor before exam day arrives. Additionally, it’s advisable to print out some screenshots and give your child a comprehensive tour of the testing screens.

## 6. PRACTICE AND CLEARLY DEFINE VERBAL ANALOGIES FOR YOUR CHILD

Make certain that your student has been familiarized with the proper definition and use of an analogy. You must make clear that it’s a directional, one-to-one relationship; they cannot flip the analogy around and be graded as correct. To sharpen their ability to reason verbally, which this section of the test requires, you and your child should aside time for some vocabulary games. For example, you could try buying a crossword book or Scrabble board.

## 7. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS

Unlike some gifted and talented tests, the SCAT does not penalize students for incorrect answers. Encourage your child to guess on questions they cannot figure out or lack adequate time for. Work with them ahead of time to determine a point where guessing becomes their default option.

## 8. TAKE THE TEST LATER IN THE SCHOOL YEAR

If you schedule the test independently, try to place the date closer to the end of your child’s current school year. As the SCAT is an above-grade-level test, it will test your child on things not yet encountered in the curriculum. By placing your testing date closer to June than September, you give your child the best chance of being adequately prepared.

By following the above tips, your child should be able to score his or her best on exam day and improve their chances of being accepted at the Center for Talented Youth.

## How Can We Help?

At Origins Tutoring, we believe that preparation for the SCAT does not have to be daunting and exasperating; instead, it can represent an important opportunity along a student’s path to learning mastery. Indeed, the perspectives and abilities acquired during preparation can last a lifetime.

Our two-track approach to mastering content and improving test-taking skills means that students will not only thoroughly understand the fundamental concepts and skills tested by the SCAT, but they will also excel in using essential techniques to improve attitude, endurance and focus.

Our students hone their independent thinking skills while developing a resilient mindset so they can perform on test day in a powerful, resourceful, creative and calm manner. Each student in our program receives the undivided attention and expertise of a dynamic and experienced coach who provides the framework to support each student on his unique path to becoming a master learner.

Please contact us now for a complimentary consultation to discuss how we can help your child create a SCAT test prep plan that leads to a seat at CTY.

What’s Next?

If you think you need more information and guidance about the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), check out our in-depth article on this prestigous program.

Also, read this article if [want to get more information on the SCAT.